Does Pregnancy Affect Your Vision?

Pregnancy causes all sorts of weird things to happen to your body (I've been pregnant five times, so I've experienced a lot). From excess ear wax (gross, but so real) to restless leg syndrome to crazy food cravings to teeth sensitivity, it seems nothing is off limits when it comes to pregnancy messing with the body! That's why I wasn't at all surprised to learn that being pregnant can even affect a woman's vision.

"Pregnancy can cause an increase in hormones, which may cause some changes to vision," Dr. Ryan Parker, OD and director of professional services at Essilor, explained to POPSUGAR. The good news? "Typically, these changes are temporary, and the visual system returns to normal after delivery." But that doesn't mean you should ignore when your vision gets wonky. Parker urges women not to put off eye examinations while expecting, saying, "Since the visual system can change, it's vital to make sure you see your best and that your eyes are healthy during pregnancy. The best way to do that is by scheduling a comprehensive eye examination by an eye-care professional."

While slight changes in vision are usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes signal a serious problem. According to the National Institutes of Health, although 14 percent of pregnant women will require a new eyeglass prescription, changes to your vision can also signal hypertension, a symptom of preeclampsia, which is dangerous high blood pressure during pregnancy that must be treated right away.

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In fact, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation, changes in vision may be a sign of an emergency. Here's what to look for: sensations of flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or spots. "These symptoms are very serious and should not be left unattended, even until the next morning," the site urges.

Always talk to your doctor about any vision changes during pregnancy, even if it's just to put your mind at ease.